Three gorgeous new Dublin bars to visit this weekend

Whether it’s for an impromptu first date, a long overdue girls night out, or a catch up with your nearest and dearest, these new additions to the Dublin drinking scene might just become your next regular haunt.

From casual pints of craft beer and a slice of pizza to Italian small plates and an organic glass of red, here are some newly opened Dublin destinations to visit this weekend…

Tapped

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

A brand spanking new sustainably-minded late bar has breathed a new lease of life into the former site of Porterhouse Central of Nassau Street. Boasting one of Ireland’s largest number of taps along their huge 15 metre bar, Tapped are doing things a little differently. Specialising in local and international craft beer, organic and sustainable wine, and their very own kegged cocktails on tap, the bar has partnered up with Dublin Pizza Company, and are set to host some of Dublin’s best DJs.

The only bar in Ireland with a Grafton Street entrance, Tapped is incredibly well situated. The venue is made up of wood, concrete and steel, with gorgeous Italian glass bricks creating bespoke countertops. There are edgy private seating pods made from up-cycled materials, and each piece of furniture has been custom-made by Irish creatives. Essentially, it’s an extremely cool spot that you’re definitely going to want to swing by.

Kodiak

Rathmines Road Lower, Dublin 6

From the people that brought us stellar spots around the country, namely Bonodo in Smithfield, Caribou in Galway, and Impala in Cork, the Rathmines area is getting its very own location in the form of Kodiak. Opening up in the site formerly occupied by the beloved Copán, Kodiak’s got big shoes to fill, and they certainly seem up to the task.

You can expect an impressive selection of craft beers from Ireland and abroad and some delicious house cocktails shaken to perfection. Interiors wise, there are many nods to nature in the form of potted plants and a large tree centrepiece, low lighting to set the mood and a top notch soundtrack that only enhances the ambiance.

Aperitivo Cicchetti

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

If you’re a fan of Italian food, exquisite wine and specialist cocktails, chances are you’ll love Aperitivo Cicchetti. Inspired by the small plates served up with local specialties at traditional bars in Venice, this new destination has refined their offering to encompass only the finest Italian cuisine, and dishes rotate weekly to allow for greater exploration.

From traditional Roman pasta to panzanella from Tuscany and arancini from Sicily, the interiors of Aperitivo Cicchetti has a 1950s Italian swing joint theme, and sampling their negronis should absolutely be at the top of your agenda.